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Fracking industry must prove current access system doesn’t work

The CLA has said the shale gas industry has provided no evidence to demonstrate Government proposals to simplify access for fracking are necessary.

The organisation said landowners must also be protected from any liability if fracking causes any negative long-term effects on their land.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “The oil and gas industries have used the existing system for years with little problem. The shale gas industry is yet to prove why it can’t do the same, and has only provided hypothetical scenarios so far.

“Extensive fracking is new to the UK and carries an element of risk as with any oil or gas extraction. The impact over a long period of time is unknown.

“Landowners must not be held liable for something that was not of their doing if there are problems decades down the line. It is appalling the consultation does not address these fundamental issues.”

The CLA also warned that fracking must not become a quick route to profit for private companies and said flimsy proposals surrounding compensation were unacceptable.

Mr Robinson said: “Despite all the time spent on the fracking debate the Government has made no concrete proposals for compensation on which to consult. This is wholly unacceptable.

“Bizarrely the Government has left it to the industry to make compensation proposals as part of its response to the consultation.

“It seems the consultation explores only what operators want rather than the implications of fracking for landowners and others.”